Chelsea look set to miss out on the signing of Palmeiras wonderkid Endrick to Real Madrid amid Graham Potter's hunt for a new striker. The 16-year-old has been heavily linked with a number of Europe's top sides lately as he continues to impress for the Brazilian side.
The teenage sensation has featured seven times for Palmeiras this season, directly contributing towards four goals. In October, he broke a 106-year record to become the club's youngest ever goalscorer after finding the net in a Serie A clash against Athletico Paranaense.
Endrick's impressive performances have seen him be compared to Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo. And, while the youngster's entourage have had 'several' meetings with the Blues over a potential move to Stamford Bridge, the Spanish giants have seemingly won the race for his signature.
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In an official statement released by the reigning La Liga champions, Real Madrid confirmed that Endrick and his family have reached an agreement whereby he'll arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu once he turns 18 in July 2024. It's said that the Brazil youth international will travel to the Spanish capital in the next few days to visit the club's facilities.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Endrick has penned a contract which keeps him at Real Madrid until 2027 with the option for three additional years. The Evening Standard reported that the youngster's father, Douglas, was heavily involved in deciding his son's future.
It's believed that he was working with the agents of fellow countryman and prospective teammate Vinicius Junior. Douglas reportedly prioritised offers which showcased a clear plan that facilitates his son's development.
While Chelsea have earned a great reputation for developing some of the world's best youngsters in recent years, the pathway from Cobham to the first team hasn't always been as easy a transition. Nevertheless, the west Londoners look set to miss out on one of the most exciting young players in the world.
Palmeiras academy director Joao Paulo Sampaio has previously likened Endrick to Ronaldo. Speaking to AS, as quoted by 90min, he said: "He has quality, a strong personality and a champion mentality.
"In that regard, he resembles Cristiano [Ronaldo]. He trains hard, is kind and has humility. We love him very much because he makes himself loved. He tries to please everyone around him."
Sampaio added by claiming that Endrick can become a 'world star' whose potential is as high as 'humanly possible'. He added: "If injuries respect him, I don't see a ceiling for him - as far as is humanly possible.
"He has everything to be a world star in the future. I am convinced that Endrick, if he does not have injury problems, will not disappoint anyone. What I want is to see him happy."
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